Pafuri elephant not first poached, says Africa Check

MBOMBELA – SANParks’ claim that the elephant recently poached for its tusks near Pafuri was the first in 10 years, is incorrect, Africa Check stated last week.

According to Mr Julian Rademeyer who heads this non-profit organisation that tests claims made by public figures on the continent, at least three elephant had in fact been poached in 2007, 2009 and 2011 respectively.

Mr Isaac Phaahla of SANParks responded that its claim pertained to elephant killed specifically for its tusks. The incidents referred to by Africa Check are of animals that were killed as a result of wire snares. Their tusks had not been removed.